Maldives holidays: our guide to the islands
The Maldives is the dream of an island where you walk barefoot from breakfast to dinner, swim with turtles outside your villa and watch the stars reflected in the lagoon at night.
The Maldives
Around 1,200 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. Photo: Ishan @seefromthesky / Unsplash
The Maldives: the island is the big decision
The Maldives is made up of around 1,200 small coral islands, grouped in 26 atolls south-west of India and Sri Lanka. Most resorts sit on their own island, so the hotel is the island and the island is the hotel. That makes choosing a resort more important here than almost anywhere else.
The Maldives is famous for water villas over the lagoon, but what makes the holiday is often the house reef: the coral reef just off the beach, where you can snorkel among fish, turtles and reef sharks without taking a boat. Ask about the house reef before you book.
The Maldives lies in Asia. Dreaming of a water villa? Read our guides to overwater bungalows and the best honeymoon destinations.
The water villas
Photo: Upgraded Points / Unsplash
How to choose a resort in the Maldives
Transfer: resorts near the airport are reached by speedboat. Further away you take a seaplane, which only flies in daylight, or a domestic flight and boat. A long transfer often means a quieter island, but allow half a travel day.
Water villa or beach villa: a water villa gives you steps straight into the lagoon. A beach villa offers more shade and privacy and is often better for families.
House reef: check whether the resort has a good house reef, especially if you love snorkelling.
Meals: the island's restaurants are your only option, so half board or full board is often wise.
Local islands: guesthouses on local islands are a cheaper alternative, but there is no alcohol and you need to dress more modestly away from the bikini beaches.
The lagoon
Photo: Colin Watts / Unsplash
Things to do in the Maldives
Snorkel the house reef at sunrise and sunset, when the fish are most active.
Swim with manta rays or whale sharks on a boat trip, depending on atoll and season.
Take a sunset cruise on a traditional dhoni boat.
Have dinner on a sandbank or in an underwater restaurant.
Look for the glowing plankton on the beach on some nights.
The resorts we would choose
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Soneva Jani, Noonu Atoll
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Soneva Jani: a water villa with a slide
Large water villas in a lagoon in Noonu Atoll, several with a slide straight into the water and a roof that opens to the stars. One of the world's best-known honeymoon resorts.
Book your dream trip: See rooms at Soneva Jani
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: dinner under the sea
Two islands joined by a bridge in South Ari, famous for its underwater restaurant and for the whale sharks of the atoll.
Book your dream trip: See rooms at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Anantara Kihavah, Baa Atoll
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Anantara Kihavah: Baa Atoll
Pool villas in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its manta rays. The resort also has an underwater restaurant and a wine cellar.
Book your dream trip: See rooms at Anantara Kihavah
Six Senses Laamu
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Six Senses Laamu: far south and far away
The only resort in Laamu Atoll in the far south, with water villas, surf breaks and a strong focus on conservation. You arrive by domestic flight and boat.
Book your dream trip: See rooms at Six Senses Laamu
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
The dry season runs roughly from December to April, with the most sunshine and calmest seas. It is also high season, with the highest prices around Christmas and Easter. From May to November the south-west monsoon brings more rain and wind, but also lower prices and often good conditions for manta rays and whale sharks. Check the current entry rules before you travel.
There are flights to Malé from the UK, both direct and via hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Istanbul.
Frequently asked questions about the Maldives
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
December to April is the dry season, with the most sunshine and calmest seas. May to November brings more rain and wind, but lower prices and often good conditions for manta rays and whale sharks.
How do you choose a resort in the Maldives?
Look at the transfer time, the house reef, the type of villa and the meal plan. Resorts near Malé are reached by boat, while the furthest need a seaplane or domestic flight. A good house reef matters if you love snorkelling.
How long should you stay in the Maldives?
A week is typical. With a long journey and transfer, shorter stays can be tiring, and many combine the Maldives with a few days in Dubai or Sri Lanka.
Can you drink alcohol in the Maldives?
Yes, on the resort islands. On local islands with guesthouses alcohol is not allowed, and you should dress modestly away from designated beaches.
Are the Maldives good for families?
Many resorts have kids' clubs and beach villas with plenty of space. Choose an island with a calm lagoon and a short transfer if you are travelling with young children.